This challenging trek traverses the Ladakh mountains on a little-used route high above the Indus Valley, offering the chance to ascend Stok Kangri, a 20,130ft/6153m peak. We approach from the west of Leh, climbing steeply from the Zanskar River towards the rugged Ladakh and Zanskar Range. This stark region is softened by the immense charm of the Ladakhi villages and their inhabitants. Crossing the seldom-used path of Kang La, we have the chance to ascend Palam Peak. We continue towards the spectacular scenery of the Stok Range, where we begin our ascent. The tough, but optional climb provides stunning views extending across Ladakh to the Karakorams, the Himalaya and into Tibet.

Walk profile

Daily distance in km/miles:

Day 6

6.0km/3.7miles

Day 7

4.0km/2.5miles

Day 8

11.0km/6.8miles

Day 9

9.0km/5.6miles

Day 10

11.0km/6.8miles

Day 11

4.0km/2.5miles

Day 12

14.0km/8.7miles

Day 13

11.0km/6.8miles

Number of days walking: 8

Pace: Approximately 5-6 hours walking per day on average. Summit day is 12-14 hours walking.

Terrain: High altitude; including steep, rocky terrain, possible river crossings, snow and ice

Itinerary

Show detailed itinerary

1Day 1Start Delhi.

The tour starts at our hotel in Delhi. Today is free to relax and recover from your flight or for individual exploration of Delhi. Rooms in the hotel are usually available from noon. See more images and videos

2Day 2Fly to Leh; afternoon orientation walk.

A very early start today for the flight to Leh. We usually leave the hotel at around 2am and drive to the airport for the very early morning but highly spectacular flight over the Himalaya to Leh. If the weather is good and the flight goes on time we should be in Leh for breakfast. The rest of the day is free to relax and acclimatise to the altitude (3,500m). In the morning we rest and catch up on some sleep and in the afternoon there will be a gentle orientation walk of Leh and its bazaars.

3Day 3Acclimatisation day in and around Leh; trips to Shey and Tikse Monasteries and Leh Palace.

Today there is a sightseeing tour to two of the major gompas (monasteries) in the area. We first drive to Shey, a former Royal Palace of the Ladakh kings. Inside is a small temple containing a 350 year old copper and gold statue of Buddha. From Shey we take a gentle walk (approx. 1 hour) to Tikse, where we visit the large and spectacular monastery - perched on top of a hill - its red and white buildings can be seen for miles. A recently built temple contains a magnificent image of the Future Buddha. We return to Leh in the afternoon and there is time to explore the bazaar.

4Day 4Acclimatisation walk in Leh Valley; optional jeep trip to the Khardung La (one of the highest motorable roads in the world).

Today we will have an acclimatisation walk around the Leh Valley. Set above Leh on the Namgyal Hill are the ruins of the Old Royal Palace. From here a winding path takes us to the Tsemo Monastery, from where we are rewarded for our efforts by magnificent views of the whole of Leh and its surrounding villages. Descending round the back of the palace we walk via Sankar to the recently built Japanese Peace Pagoda with good views back to the palace and across to Stok Kangri, dominating the skyline across the valley. The rest of the day is free to explore the back streets and bazaars of Leh. There is the chance today to make an optional jeep safari to the Khardung La at 5,602m, one of the highest motorable roads in the world. The journey to the top of the pass and back takes roughly 4 hours in total and can be booked and paid for locally. Your leader will have details. (If you do the jeep safari this will be in the morning and you can do a walk in the afternoon).

A leisurely start this morning allows time to separate out your climbing gear (ice-axe, crampons, harness, helmet and summit boots if you have a different pair) which you will leave at the hotel - this will rejoin you at Mankarmo or base camp in time for your summit climb.
We leave Leh and drive to the start point of our trek. The road follows the Indus River for a short while before turning off into a small dirt track, which winds along following the Zanskar River. The scenery is truly spectacular as the valley narrows into a gorge. Where the track ends we leave our vehicle and have a short climb to Choksi (3,210m) where we camp. This pretty village is a model of self-sufficiency. It is inhabited by one large extended family who farm this small valley. In the afternoon we can have a short acclimatisation walk in preparation for tomorrow.See more images and videos

6Day 6First full days trekking; steep climb out of Choksi with fantastic views back down the valley.

A fairly hard first days walking as we climb very steeply out of Choksi, walking on some loose scree and shale, and gain over 1000m in altitude before reaching our next camp. As we ascend the valley narrows and becomes more and more spectacular. Looking back we can see the magnificent rock formations of the Ladakh mountains. The dramatic mountains in various shades of purples, greens and browns can be seen for miles in every direction. The trail ascends the valley all day and our first night's camp is a small rocky site by a shepherd hut. In the afternoon we will have an acclimatisation walk up the valley which is opposite the camp for views of the surrounding peaks.
See more images and videos

For acclimatisation purposes we have a very short walk today, steadily continuing up the Choksi Valley to the base of the Kang La (4,900m). We will have lunch at camp and in the afternoon we will trek to the top of the small rocky peak behind camp, at 5,056m. We have called it 'Exodus Peak' and from the top the views are magnificent - we can see the Kang La and Palam Peak ahead and the Himalaya are spread out in front of us with the Ladakh range in front. This is one of the most spectacular wild camps with great views across to the Karakorum. Look out for marmots whistling to one another all around the campsite.

Today is a hard day as we cross our first two passes. The climb is a long ascent, which is gradual at first with a last steep rocky section to the top of the Kang La (5,260m). The paths are little used and can be indistinct. From the top of the pass we have the opportunity to walk up Palam Peak (5,380m) for views second only to the view from the summit of Stok Kangri. Ahead we can now see the summit of Stok Kangri and in the distance is Leh. Behind us the Ladakh Range and Himalaya can be seen for miles. From the top we descend a little and then contour round into the next valley. As the trail contours round the top of the valley we have great views across to Stok Kangri.
We contour round the valley and on up to our second pass, the Ganda La (4,970m). This pass provides access into the Markha Valley and we may well see other trekkers today crossing the pass in the opposite direction. From the pass we can see our route for the next couple of days. We camp at the base of the Ganda La.

9Day 9Descend to Rumbak village; continue to our camp at the base of the Stok La.

It's an easy descent down the valley and we walk through the one house village of Yurutse to the valley bottom. Crossing the river we have a short ascent to Rumbak village. Rumbak has round 20 houses and we may well be invited in to a local house to try the traditional Ladakhi butter tea. Our camp is just beyond the village at the base of the Stok La tonight (approx. 4,300m). Ahead the mountains are truly amazing; fold after fold of multicoloured jagged rock tower above us and as the sun sets and the light fades the colours change dramatically. One of the beauties of this short trek is that it is a geologist's paradise; every pass we cross brings us in to another spectacular valley with intriguing rock formations.
See more images and videos

10Day 10Trek over the Stok La (4900m) where spectacular rock flutes rise around us, to Mankarmo.

Today is probably one of the most spectacular walks in Ladakh as we cross the Stok La (4,900m), our last pass of the trek. At first we trek on a beautiful, gently sloping trail, but then the path becomes steeper and steeper as it zigzags up to the top of the pass. Rock flutes rise all around us, home to the elusive snow leopard. From the top the views are even more spectacular; layer upon layer of multicoloured rock cathedrals are spread before us in every direction. The descent is very steep at first and then we contour round two valleys to the junction with the river coming down from Stok Kangri. We follow the river, crossing a few side streams, until we reach a shepherd settlement at Mankarmo (4,380m). Look out for the herds of Blue Sheep scrambling on the rocks around camp.

The next two days are devoted to our ascent of Stok Kangri. From Mankarmo the trail ascends the valley easily. It is a half day walk to base camp and as we ascend the valley Stok Kangri can clearly be seen ahead of us. There will probably be a couple of river crossings today. We will reach our base camp by lunchtime and the afternoon is spent resting and preparing for the climb. Gear will be checked and there will be a full briefing about tomorrow's ascent and a run through of walking in a rope team and with crampons. After an early dinner we retire to bed to rest for a few hours.
See more images and videos

12Day 12Ascent of Stok Kangri (6153m). The route is non technical, but there is a short, exposed section near the summit. Those not attempting the peak can trek up to the glacier for stunning views.

The summit day is long and hard (at least 12 hours). We leave at about 1am and start with a one hour steep climb out of the base camp to a ridge. The trail then eases for a while as we follow the valley gradually up on a rocky trail for a couple of hours to the glacier. Crossing the glacier we come to the foot of the climb. The gradient now increases significantly and it is a very steep two hours to the ridge. Usually there is snow at this point and we will have to use our ice axe and crampons. The sun should just be rising as we reach the ridge and we can see almost all the way back to Leh. We will usually rope up for the last two hours up the ridge, which is quite steep and is exposed for some of the time, with some scrambling on loose (sometimes icy) rock. Finally we spot the prayer flags on the top and a final steep section will bring us to the summit. The altitude will be the greatest difficulty, though. The climb from camp to the summit will take six to eight hours. The final hundred metres needs special care while crossing the slopes just below the summit. From the summit the views are amazing. Miniscule Leh can be seen in the distance, and all around us the snow-capped peaks of the Himalaya, the Karakorum and the Ladakh Range reach far to the horizon. We spend a short while at the top to savour the beauty of it all and regain our breath before descending slowly and carefully back to Base Camp, where the crew will be waiting with welcome hot food. (Please note the actual climb is entirely optional. For anyone not intending to climb there are wonderful walks from the base camp itself. There will be an optional walk for those not climbing to the glacier at the foot of Stok Kangri for magnificent views).

An easy but particularly spectacular walk down the valley to Stok. As we descend layer upon layer of multicoloured rocks surround us. The trail finally emerges from this amazing gorge and the valley widens as we approach Stok village where our transport will meet us for the short drive back to Leh. We return to Leh by lunchtime for a welcome hot shower and a well-deserved celebration.

What's not included

Accommodation details

Hotels & Camping

In Delhi we stay in a well located simple hotel, which has air-conditioned rooms and an en suite bathroom. In Leh you will stay in a simple hotel with en suite facilities.

During the trek we use spacious two-person tents, with a dining tent and at least one toilet tent. It is full-service camping which means that the staff will erect and dismantle the tents, cook and wash up for you. Each morning you will be brought a bowl of warm water to wash in and a hot drink.

Single rooms and tents can be requested for a supplement of GBP270 (subject to availability). Please note that you may still be asked to share a tent at base camp (days 12 and13 Ex London) as space can be limited at this camp. Please enquire at the time of booking.

Essential info

Vaccinations and VisaHoliday style

This is a fairly demanding trek graded 'Tough' (the climb is graded 'Tough+') with 8 days walking including the summit day. The maximum altitude is 5,260m (6,153m with the climb), average 4,600m. There are high passes but most of the walking is on well-established trails. The trek is suitable for those who are confident of their physical fitness and have trekked at high altitude before. Daytime temperatures can be very hot especially during the middle of the day as at these altitudes the sun is very strong.

The trek culminates with the ascent of Stok Kangri from a base camp. The ascent is optional and technically easy but requires strong lungs and a good deal of will power. The climb involves a steep ascent up a usually snow covered slope to a ridge and a one and a half hour scramble along the ridge to the summit. Summit day will begin at approx. 1am and be a 12-14 hour day. For anyone wishing to make the ascent, previous experience using ice axe and crampons and walking in a rope team is necessary; it is not possible to learn the skills whilst on this trip although there will be a short 'refresher' session at base camp. You should be a confident walker and be comfortable scrambling on loose rock on a ridge. For safety we will rope up in smaller teams along the summit ridge. Please note on the ascent of Stok Kangri there are some scrambles on loose rock and exposed ridges and the climb is not recommended for those with fear of heights/exposed ridges. For those not wishing to climb there will be an optional walk on the climbing day to the Stok Kangri Glacier for spectacular views of the mountain.

We spend 3 days in Leh before the trek to allow you to acclimatise - very important at this altitude. This is a fully supported camping trek. All groups will be accompanied by an Exodus leader, who will be supported by a local guide, ponymen, assistant guides and cook team. For the Stok Kangri ascent there will be a team of qualified climbing guides. All our leaders are trained in the use of a PAC bag (Portable Altitude Chamber) and this is carried on all treks in Ladakh. The PAC bag is used in an emergency only to treat altitude sickness in the mountains. A First Aid kit is carried with the group.

Eating & drinking

All breakfasts, 8 lunches and 8 dinners included.

All meals except for main meals in Delhi and Leh are included; please allow about GBP70 (approx. USD115) for these. Whilst camping, the staff will bring a hot drink (usually tea) to your tent each morning. Breakfasts typically include cereal, toast and jam, eggs and porridge. Lunch on trek is usually served as a picnic en route (except on shorter days when it is in camp). Lunch and dinner typically include soup to start, followed by a variety of hot dishes (both local and western) such as potatoes/chips, vegetables, curry, pasta, rice, dhal and paneer (cottage cheese). Please note that although some meals will include meat, it is not as readily available whilst camping.

During the trek the camp staff will collect and boil drinking water from the mountain streams and fill up your water bottles for you, but you may wish to use your own water purification treatment as well.

Trip notes

Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want to know about this trip, including
detailed itinerary and full kit list

Weather & seasonality

Generally the weather is good in Ladakh during the summer time, with warm to very hot sunny days (temperatures can reach up to 35degC or more), and cool to cold nights depending on the altitude (it can be just below freezing at the highest camps in late August). There is, however, always the possibility of rain, and snow at higher altitudes, and you should be prepared for this. Please note the sun is very strong at these altitudes and it can be very hot in the daytime.

Ladakh, though technically part of the Tibetan plateau and classified as a high altitude desert, can and does occasionally experience the effects of the Indian monsoon. Although the departures are timed to coincide with when the weather is normally good, you should remember that in any mountain area the weather is never wholly predictable and you should be prepared and equipped to deal with any differences in weather beyond the conditions described above.

Delhi in the summer months is very hot and humid.

Gallery

Reviews & community

A great trip that consists of a number of valley walks, acclimatisation climbs and satellite peaks in preparation for the summit bid. Paid off as all those that set off for the summit reaching it.
Overall it was well organised and good fun. I hope I've made friends for life from it.
Thanks you Exodus!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Finally reaching the summit. It had been a great deal of hard work to get there. I was also inspired by the others in the group. We had a 100% success rate and it was great to see all those that had set off the night before on the summit together.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our Group Leader Chosphel was outstanding throughout the trip. Thoroughly knowledgeable, patient, reassuring, approachable and good fun.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Get fit first. It's a long number of days trekking and all attempting it should thoroughly prepare beforehand.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Well organsied, constantly informed, well supplied. Great and memorable trip.
Thank you.

An inspirational trek encompassing the diversity of remote Ladakh; from colourful Buddhist monasteries to jagged snow-clad peaks, wild campsites nestled on the barren slopes of this high altitude desert, and intriging multi-coloured rock formations. All this culminating with the challenge of ascending a 6000m peak, which dominates the skyline.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

You can not underestimate the raw emotion and sense of accomplishment as you and your rope team take those final few steps... chests heaving to draw breath in the thin mountain air, calves burning from the scramble up the ridge, adrenalin pumping, and the prayer flags in sight. Standing at 6,153m looking down to Leh in the distance, and upon the valleys and passes that you have overcome during the past week. You can't beat that.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our leader was Chospel, a local Ladakhi leader, born and raised in a small agricultural community a short distance outside of Leh. An unassuming gently-spoken man with a wealth of experience and a passion for the mountains. He was extremely knowledgeable with a beaming smile and a great sense of humour. He really made the trip. Excellent.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be prepared for all weather eventualities from hot (30 degrees or so) to cold (minus 5 degrees of lower) and bring layers; the sun can be extremely strong in the mountains so bring high factor suncream, a hat and something to cover your neck.

The summit day is optional and there is an alternative glacier walk for those who opt out. There's no need to worry about holding others up on summit day as there are additional mountain guides so you tend to naturally split into four or five groups of differing pace.

Bring some cards or games for the evenings.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

A real highlight for me was the camping aspect of the trip having only done a tea-house trek previously; sleeping under canvas in wild campsites beneath starry skies. The third campsite at the base of the Kang La was my personal favourite.

The camping crew and cooks deserve a great deal of credit too. They really worked hard to look after us - we were woken with a tea delivery to our tent and a warm bowl of washing water, each day the tents were erected by the time we arrived at the next spot, and a delicious two or sometimes three course cooked dinner prepared every evening.

I can't recommend the Exodus Ladakh/Stok Kangri trek highly enough. If you enjoy breathtaking views far from the crowds with a stunning glacier and ridge walk summit ascent then this is the trip for you! It's not an easy trek, but it's well within the grasp of fit or experienced hikers and is thoroughly enjoyable, and made all the better if you are lucky enough to have Valerie Parkinson and Sukman lead it!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Every day was different. So many different views and colours, I felt far away from crowds and in a world of our own. The group I was with were super and made it all the better, looking after each other and sharing the awe at the scenery. Each pass we reached brought elation, but of course reaching the summit was the most inspirational part. Back in Leh I really enjoyed learning about the Circle of Life and also visiting the Donkey Sanctuary.

I was also inspired by the cleanliness. With the exception of base camp we didn't encounter rubbish, used tissue or any of the ghastly sights that swamp other mountains like Kilimanjaro.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our leader, Valerie, was fantastic. She was able to share so much history, background and insight to the places we visited which really added richness and depth to the experience. On top of this her stories about other treks were fascinating and funny. She did a great job of making sure everyone was well looked after, as well as encouraging us to look after the mountain and the local villages by being considerate about our rubbish. She was excellently supported by Sukman who kept a good pace at the front and kept everyone's spirits high, he was a great motivation.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Personally I found my experience of hiking in Scotland gave me good experience for this trip, and I recommend hiking some of the tougher Munros if you are able to.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This is the best trek I've done and it's left me eager to go back to the region and explore more. In particular I will be looking up any trips that Valerie runs as I'm confident that not only will they be interesting, they'll probably be something different to what other operators offer, and she'll make the trip all the more fascinating with her local knowledge and experience.

After a couple of backpacking trips to far flung places, the travel industry seemed the obvious path for Olly. Since joining Exodus, he's been fortunate enough to continue his travels on 'work' trips as often as possible. Thanks to Exodus he's developed a passion for trekking, and has been sent up Mont Blanc, Mt Toubkal, Kilimanjaro, Everest Base Camp, Stok Kangri, Mt Triglav, and the Inca Trail. He now resides in the Sales team.

Questions about your trip

What distance do we walk each day?

When walking in the mountains, the distance you cover each day can vary greatly due to gradient, terrain and altitude. As such it is very hard to give specific distances on each day.

For example, you might walk 7 miles one day and it takes 5 hours. The next day the trail might be very steep , rocky and gain substantial altitude and such factors mean you cover just 2 miles in 5 hours!

In the Himalaya, even the local people only ever talk about distances in the mountains in terms of how long it will take, i.e. 5 hours walk. On most trekking trips, you will walk for 3-4 hours in the morning and another couple after lunch.

Olly Leicester - Sales

Do I need previous experience of using an ice axe and crampons for Stok Kangri?

Previous experience is not essential but it's highly recommended. The group leaders will run through the basic techniques on how to use the equipment when you reach the Stok Kangri Base Camp.

Olly Leicester - Sales

Can I catch a Bollywood movie?!

Fancy a night out in India just like the locals? Head to a Bollywood movie and join the local in an evening packed with entertainment. The Bollywood masala movies are a mixture of dance, drama and musical with a break in between as most of these are lengthy 3 hours movies. This gives you the option to leave the theatre should you want to do that! The songs and dances make it like a 60’s musical where you could have the whole locals singing and dancing to the tune. Some movies become hits only because of these. Movie theatres that you may want to visit are; Raj Mandir in Jaipur, Odeon in Canaught Place, New Delhi, Filmistan, Karol Bagh in New Delhi - but all cities have theatres. A word of warning- try to avoid the rush when entering and exiting the theatre and the crowded area and keep valuables with close to you zipped at all times and enjoy the show.

Niraj Chand Shrestha - Customer Operations

Any good shopping tips for India?

Where do you start?! Half the joy of shopping in India is the sheer scale of what's on offer, from upscale boutiques in New Delhi, Mumbai and Calcutta to the crowded and sweaty markets of pretty much any town or village you come to. Handicrafts, art, leather goods, spices, hand carved statues, silk, the list goes on - all the way to cheap knock offs of western brands!

Remember, outside of the proper shops, haggling is the key but don't waste your time trying to split the difference over a few pence - the best result is when everyone comes away happy!

Charlotte Taylor - India Operations

What is the best way to take money to India?

Any time I go out, I normally just take sterling cash which, as long as you excercise the normal degree of common sense you would at home, is safe and easy. The India rupee is a closed currency, meaning you can only get it upon arrival in the country. There are exchange facilities at all arrival airports, and ATMs are available pretty much everywhere as well in case you need to top up along the way.

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

Are walking poles necessary for Indian treks?

Although not strictly necessary, some people do like to take them along as they can be useful, especially on the descents. However, remember to pack them in your hold luggage.

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

Do you have any advice about malaria and rabies?

Unfortunately we are not qualified to answer all your questions in regards to travel health, so we strongly recommend you contact your GP or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to-date information.

Nomad Travel Clinics are experts in preparing people for travel, providing advice on vaccinations, anti-malarial and staying healthy whilst overseas. We have arranged a special 10% discount for Exodus passengers on any vaccinations that you may require! Take along your Nomad discount card, sent with your confirmation pack, or call Exodus for your special discount code.Visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/exodus for further information.

I have some free time in Delhi - what should I see?

A definite place to visit when you have an extra day in Delhi is a trip to the new Akshardham Temple. Situated on the outskirts of New Delhi in the embankment of River Yamuna, this sprawling Swaminarayan Akshardham spreads over 100 acres of land and is renowned for its carved pillars, water fountains and 20,000 statues. Made from white marble and pink stone this new temple was only completed in 2005 which makes it less well known by Western tourists or the guide books. A visit to the temple is the perfect way to explore the amazing world of Indian culture and get a unique view of the Hindu religion. Other ‘must see’ places are the Red Fort, Humayum’s Tomb (a forerunner to the Taj Mahal), Qutab Minar, Tuqulaquabad, Purana Quila.The National Museum is very interesting as is the Gandhi Smriti, a museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi.

- Customer Operations

Tips from staff who have climbed Stok Kangri

Equipment and clothingFor most of the trek lightweight clothing is fine with warmer layers for the evening. You can usually sit out with a fleece jacket in the evenings except at the higher camps when a warmer jacket is more comfortable. However if it rains for a few days the temperatures can drop but as a rule of thumb Ladakh is hot and sunny in the summer months with temperatures up to 35C in the daytime. The tops of passes can get cold so a fleece and windproof are essential.

You gear is with you all the way so you just dress as you see fit on the day. On our trip, some people would be in shorts and t-shirts, while others would be in full kit, fleeces, waterproofs etc. at times! Everyone had different types of jackets. I had a down jacket, with additional water/windproof, 2 fleeces and then base layers/ thermals as well (not all at the same time). People just added and removed as they wanted. Everyone carried spare kit in the backpacks, so you can add to what you have as you go along. The leader was also good at advising people each morning.

I hired an ice axe in Leh, there are lots of places to get one. The gear there won't be brand new but for axes, it doesn't make a huge difference. When I did the climb I didn't really use the axe much. just for balance, but the path you follow to the summit is cut for you by the mountain leader so he creates steps in the snow and everyone follows him. The quality of hired crampons is not so good in Leh. For summit day you will need a good warm jacket, warm gloves, warm socks and good sunglasses. Don’t forget to check your daypack has an ice axe holder. If you have a hydration system, take a normal water bottle. You will be given boiled water in the evening so if you put this in a normal bottle it can cool down before you pour it into your hydration system.

MoneySterling is fine to take. You don't need a lot, about £200 should cover meals, drinks, tipping etc. For shopping or anything else, you'll need some more, but that's down to you.

TemperaturesIt was definitely cold when the wind was blowing and in single figures I'm sure. Saying that, when you got some shelter ot the wind died down, the sun can be quite strong and you start heating up again quickly.

Olly Leicester - Sales team leader

Is it possible to buy extra equipment in Ladakh?

There are a few trekking stores now in Leh and pretty much everything is available for a price. However, we cannot guarantee the quality or quantities you will find, and always advise that for anything really important, you take them from home. Saying that, there are bargains to be had (if you don't mind some of the gear being an "Indian version"!). The climbing gear on hire is not good quality though and is mostly ex Indian army – best to bring your own.

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

I've heard the 'Delhi Belly' rumours in India -will this be a problem?

India has delicious food to cater for all preferences but, like anywhere in the world, hygiene is important. Keeping your hands well washed before eating, staying as hydrated as possible and sticking to bottled water is the best protection against an upset tum. Otherwise, mashed potato is apparently a good cure!

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

Is it possible to get visas upon arrival?

No. Indian visas must be pre-arranged in advance. Check the Indian embassy website for details.

Land of the Tiger articles

Caroline Northcott, one of our clients, travelled on this trip a few years ago. Please read her inspirational article to get a personal viewpoint of the holiday.

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